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‘Hit the gym’

Smita Shenoy on the merits of shedding those extra kilos

My husband had been reminding me from time to time to do something to lose those extra kilos and get back my slim and trim figure, but I had ignored his well meaning remarks, thinking he was just being chauvinistic in expecting me to resemble a film star.

Now, when I looked at myself, I realised how right he was. Predictably, I sank into the depths of depression and self pity, gorging on more food to forget my woes, and getting fatter in the bargain. It was a vicious cycle I was unable to break free from for a long time. After a while, even my friends’ ribbing had no effect on me. I had even started suffering from weight-related maladies such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. Then one day, with my husband’s birthday approaching, I asked him what gift he would like. He simply said, “A shapely wife.”

Those few words had a profound effect on me. It kindled my desire to try and lose weight, something even the taunting and teasing had not succeeded in doing. I enquired about all the local gyms and finally enrolled in one next to my daughter’s school. I leave her at school and go to the gym and collect her on my way back. A gym does wonders for you. First, you get the confidence to look at your body. You no longer feel self-conscious because no matter what your weight is, there are bound to be people, slimmer or fatter than you at the gym. So, you soon lose the urge to compare, and just carry on with your exercise routine.

Second, it inculcates a sense of discipline and motivation. You get inspired to work in a group rather than alone. Third, you experience positive vibes. You are bound to feel refreshed and energetic after your workout.

A word of caution is, however, necessary: the gym is not a miracle spot where you will shed those extra kilos in just a day. Weight loss is a slow and steady process. You need to keep working sincerely and it is bound to show results. I have not got back my hourglass figure but I have regained my self-esteem and have lost a few kilos in the process too.

So, hit the gym now.

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